I need to get some small parts, a(a plastic door latch, the chrome box around the shifter) and don't know where to go. Any thoughts?

Some of those things can be had through West Marine or sometimes at http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/Default.asp/cookietest/1

Unfortunately, some parts are not always available.

Boats are kind of unique; they are basically a collection of OEM components, with the boatbuilder only generally building the fiberglass parts and upholstery.

If you are looking for door latches, for example - they are probably commercial items.

If you can describe or provide a photo of them, it would be easier.

Find out which dealer in your area has been in the same place the longest, and go there. Robertson's marine in Salt Lake has been there forever, and they have the best selection of 'small stuff' in town, LOTS more than West Marine and the like...

A dealer may be helpful, but on an older boat, maybe not so much. Depending on the make, the tech support may be helpful. I had a few parts break on my boat and I had to do some searching. Through that process I came to understand that the latches on my boat are Perko Brand and the hatches are Bomar, th guages are VDO/Siemens, the controls are Mercury Racing, trim tabs are Bennett, the fuses are from some German company, etc. I need to replace the cabin latch, so I'll be buying a new Perko latch, which is still made in the identical style.

Boat manufacturers usually buy their components and only focus on the unique stuff to their boats.

Perhaps you'd like to tell us what kind of boat you have and we can all chip in our knowledge.

Great Lakes Skipper is a great source for those hard to find parts.
If you can get to their brick and mortar store, Kendor Marine in Franklin, WI, even better. A candy store for boaters.

For the shifter, the manufacturer may be stamped on the bottom of the base. If you can't identify it contact the boat manufacturer or one of their dealers to find out what brand they used. You may be able to purchase just the chrome box from the shifter manufacturer.

Thanks - boat is a Monterey. it is under wraps right now - but will try to get some pics of the parts as soon as I can.